Waitress question?

Question

I am a very energetic and hard worker. I like to make people smile and I do everything I can to please every person who sits at my table. As a waitress I even run other co-workers drinks, or if I see that someone at another server's table needs something I help out. I always go the extra mile at work. However there always seems to be tables that tip waaaay under 15%, sometimes less than 10% and it really sucks. I always hold my tounge and just let it go. However I only make about $3 an hour and have to tip out the bar tenders and hosts and I always slip a few $ to the kitchen. I want to know what I can say to these people that gets the point across to them that they just screwed me over. I obviously can't mention the actual tip to them . . . I would get fired for complaining to the table. I want some witty ideas of how I can comment on being stiffed with out being a *itch. It's just too much work to be stiffed. Anyone have any ideas of what I can say to these rude people?

Answer 1

You'll have to find a job that has higher tipping customers.

There is no "nice" or "subtle" way to complain about your tip. I highly recommend you don't even joke about it to customers because someone is gonna take offense at some point.

If you want to complain, I recommend you do it outside of the workplace.

By the way, I agree that it does suck. Everyone knows servers get stiffed a lot. You're expected to be professional regardless though.

Answer 2

One solution: You are simply working in the wrong place. I used to manage hair salons in Dallas. One location was in a wealthier area, and the tips were c**p.

Another was located in a mixed type of neighborhood, not big money, but they tipped 3x as much!

Answer 3

I wish I knew! I have the same problem... people who can't afford to tip, can't afford to eat out! anyway I think that a lot of people don't relize that waiters and waitresses make WAY less than minimum wage... so I try to find subtle ways of passing that info along lol

Answer 4

some people tip the same, no matter what kind of waitress you are or how much you bend over backward for them. so don't take it personal, that should help. also, keep in mind that some people still want to go out once in a while, but don't really have much money to do so, maybe they give you as much as they can afford...and in that case their money is more meaningful than the rich guy that leaves a fatty.

when it comes down to it, its really a part of waitressing and thats why some people don't like it...you can be very underappreciated.

don't let it get you down. i remember that the nights i didn't let it get me down and just kept my head up, other tables would tip better...or of course, the best ever...when someone tells you you're the best waitress ever. thats better than a tip.

get to a better restaurant and low tippers will be fewer and farther between. but some people are just cheap.

Answer 5

well if i were u i wouldnt say anything at all to the customers cause they might complain on u or cause them to not come back

Answer 6

Nothing you can do.   Just use your experience to get a waitress job at a more expensive restaurant so the tips are larger for the same hours you presently work.  Sorry.

Answer 7

try to make conversation with them and say yeah i'm worried my electric will be shut off soon because i am not making enough in tips to pay the bill and 3 dollars an hour just doesn't pay the bills

Answer 8

I believe you go the distance.  You could approach your boss and suggest putting "all wait staff" will be properly tipped, 15 or 20 %.  I think it should be 20% myself.  You people do a great job for very little pay and must live on the tips you make.

I figure, if you don't want to tip (proper amount) then don't go out to eat.

I see tipping messeges on the bottom of menus all the time.  I think it's time for your boss to get with the probram.

Most of all, I thing those who come into eat are the ones who should really get with the program.  

Husband and I, along with our daughter (associates degree, rest. management) were co-owners of a restaurant.  Even working in the kitchen she would be informed about what customers continually left NO tip.  Out she went to the dinning room and had a little talk with these regular customers and how they should always tip at least 15% for service.  They came back , ate and left a good tip. Sometimes that's what is needed.  

Good question for others to think about.

Answer 9

Some people don't have the money to go out and have no clue what to tip I know how you feel I am a server as well and I am very nice even when I don't want to be. It usually isn't you its them and how cheap they are

Answer 10

You cant say anything.  Its the nature of the beast.   Some people are just cheap.  

If you do, no matter how well you work, they will complain that you were rude.       Rudeness will cost the place customers and thus,money.  You could lose your job.  Waitresses can be replaced. The reputation of a restaurant is hard to restore.

You can find a better job. You sound like an excellent worker.  Keep your eyes open for opportunity

( think of this job as paying for an education  to move to a higher level)

Answer 11

Pick up the tip and say in a cheerful voice, "Oh boy...now I can pay for my mother's hip operation...if it was the year 10,000 B.C.  If that doesn't work, turn school bully on them and wait for them to use the restroom.  Walk in after a minute, grab him/her by the collar and say, "Look punk, cough up the rest of my tip or your head's going in the nearest toilet.  Before you decide, you better ask yourself one question, Is that toilet flushed?  Do you feel lucky punk?"

Answer 12

Maybe when you come to the table.. you could say.. Hello.. I am x*x your waitress for today.. let them know what the dish of the day is.. ask them if they want to order something to drink first..  then when they order.. just be your usual polite self.. smile at them.. and wish them to enjoy the meal and ask them if they enjoy the food, if there is anything else you can get them.. that way if they know your name. and if you smile and tell them you are their waitress and you are a bit humorous in a nice way.. they will be more likely to give you a better tip... xxxx

Answer 13

Hunny i feel ya 100%, believe me I've been there. Are you working at a chain restaurant? Maybe it would be better if you got a job an independent restaurant or definitely a more upscale restaurant. Places like O'charleys and Applebees just do not pay that much somedays.